2010 FIFA World Cup

World Cup: Paul, the Psychic Octopus, Gets Death Threats After Predicting Spain Win Over Germany

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Added: 8. July 2010

A psychic German octopus called ‘Paul’ could find himself on the menu if frustrated football fans get their way.

Famous for predicting world cup winners, he has a 100 percent record following Spain’s defeat over Germany yesterday.

But now his owner has received death threats and even recipe suggestions from football supporters who have found their teams on the wrong side of his predictive powers.

Paul will no doubt suck up the pressure ahead of Germany’s game against Uruguay this Saturday.

Oracle Paul ‘Psychic’ Octopus puts Spain, not Germany to WC final


Added: 6. July 2010

Football’s psychic sea creature – Paul The Octopus – is making yet another World Cup prediction.

But this time, the eight-tentacled oracle is betting on Spain winning the semi-final against his home country, Germany.

Paul has a perfect record when it comes to predicting the outcome of Germany’s World Cup matches.

So fans better keep their fingers crossed for Wednesday’s clash.

The psychic cephalopod’s even gained a few worldwide followers of his own.

And there’s no truth to the rumour that if Paul turns out to be right this time, he could end up on the sushi menu.

2010 FIFA World Cup: Slum clearance, South Africa-style

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south-africa-slum-clearance-red-ants-beat-residents-of-alexandra-township-with-crowbars
Red Ants beat residents of Alexandra Township with crowbars

WAVING iron bars and pickaxes, the Red Ants, a rented mob of thugs in bright red overalls and crimson helmets, used the half-light of dawn for cover as they marched into the slum. Stamping out the first cooking fires of the day with heavy boots, they spread out in a long line. Then they attacked.

Bleary immigrant women dropped plastic water containers and ran in panic towards their corrugated iron homes. “Grab the children,” they screamed.

By sunrise their shacks on the outskirts of Johannesburg had been razed. They were forced to watch as their few possessions were burnt.

The Red Ants, described as state-sponsored mercenaries by their critics, have become a growing force in the past few months as South African cities have begun a campaign of “beautification” before the World Cup begins in June. This means clearing away unsightly immigrant squatter camps.

This month, more than 100 Zimbabweans were beaten and evicted by Red Ants from a derelict building on the main road to Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, one of the football tournament’s main venues.

It followed a series of Red Ant evictions ordered by the provincial department of public transport along main roads within a mile of the stadium, which will host five matches. Hundreds more Zimbabweans were forcibly evicted from properties in central Johannesburg.

Read more2010 FIFA World Cup: Slum clearance, South Africa-style